The Flagship Cabernet for the Davey family of Shingleback and only made in exceptional vintages. While the current release is 2017, such a museum release may turn up in the wine subscription pack “The Pick.” The label has been quite substantially updated!

Shingleback, D Block, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, 2004

Development in the colour with the edges starting to brown. Still with a profound nose of blackberry and cassis prominent, with Chesterfield couch, cigar box, rich bay with secondary meaty pan juices and truffle. A notable vanilla burst of oak is a sweet surprise. The meaty elements of development are just sneaking into the palate that’s still bright with violets, cassis and easy choc-mint. In pretty good shape now but definitely at its peak.

RRP: $55 (current release)
Alc: 14%
Rating: 18.25/20 (93/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Shingleback